Maha Shivaratri is the festival of Shakti and Shiva’s convergence. According to the Hindu calendar, Shivaratri occurs every month on the night of Chaturdashi Tithi (14th day), as per Hindu lunar calendar. Shivratri is known as the night of Lord Shiva. The Shivaratri occurring in the Hindu month of Magha, during KrishnaKrishnaIt is described that there are three aspects of the Supreme that must... Paksha (dark fortnight), is known as Maha Shivratri. It will be celebrated on the 7th March 2016.

Shivratri is also when Goddess ParvatiParvatiAfter the death of Shiva's first love Sati, Shiva... and Lord Shiva married again. Shivratri celebrated on 13th day of Falgun month - the last month of Hindu calendar. The Bael leaves are offered to Lord Shiva on all days and nights of the fasting. It is believed that fasting during Maha Shivratri which is said to be pious and takes out a person from life and death confluence.

The Legend of Maha Shivratri

According to the legend, Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious and mythological legend in the history of Hindus religion. Before observing fast on this day, you must know the relevance of this holy day before that:

The Legend of Neelkanth

According to the Mythological scriptures, it is said that Lord Shiva drank and guzzled up the holy ocean (Manthan) in order to save the world from the toxic substances. The water was brimming with poisonous elements and therefore, Lord VishnuVishnuVishnu is one of the Supreme Gods of Hindus and is a part of Hindu Trinity,.. suggested Shiva to consume it. After drinking the poisonous and venomous pot, it remained in his throat still. Parvati tried to puke him but, sadly, it stayed in his throat and didn’t affect him. He was then, named as ‘Neelkanth’.

Also, it is believed that Lord Vishnu ordered everyone to keep a vigil on Lord Shiva as he was suffering from the toxic poison in his throat and therefore all the devotees along with gods and goddesses performed before him and pleased him. He was enchanted to see his fan following and blessed them all. Since then, it is said that his devotees please him to make him happy and content.

Legend of a Hunter

An unconventional and unusual mythological legend follows that there used to live a poor hunter called, Suswara. He used to feed his stomach and his family by hunting birds, animals and cattle. One day, he went to hunt for a deer but he was sad to see the deer family who were grieving about the upcoming death and loss. So, he spared the innocent animal. Then, he climbed up the tree and slept, brought food for his family the very next day, but gave it to beggar instead, and offered bael leaves to the tree he slept on. When he was reproaching death, Lord Shiva sent his messengers to take him to Shiva as he performed all the rituals of Maha Shivratri successfully by observing a fast and worshipping the lingam where he slept.

How to observe a pious fast on Maha Shivratri?

According to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva has dictated specifically of how to observe a fast for him and his consort, Goddess Parvati. He said that the devotees should worship all the four main forms or manifestations of Lord Shiva. He explained the right way to perform all the rites.

All the devotees of Lord Shiva celebrate Maha Shivaratri with great belief. Amarnath temple is known to be the holiest temple in India. Number of people visit there to worship Lord Shiva during the time of Maha Shivratri. Like every year, in 2016 too, Amarnath pilgrimage will be organized by the government and many devotees will participate in it. In Central India, Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain will be visited the most by devotees on Maha Shivratri 2016, like every year.

An Indian Hindu devotee holds a python during a procession for Maha Shivaratri, dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva, in Allahabad. Hindus mark the Maha Shivratri festival by offering special prayers and fasting to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction